A DEPARTMENTAL spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture has confirmed that Russia has suspended imports of Australian chilled beef.
It is believed a market access notice was issued by DAFF on Monday this week in relation to Australian beef entering the Russian and CIS member states market.
Details of the notice have not been provided but it is believed that product already on the water is not affected.
“We believe Russia’s decision to suspend imports of Australian chilled beef, before having the opportunity to fully consider the information provided by Australia, is premature," the spokesperson said.
"We remain committed to further discussions with Russia, to clarify the situation.
“Australia remains confident in the systems in place to ensure compliance with Russian requirements, and will be seeking to resume trade in chilled meat as soon as possible.”
The action was accurately foreshadowed on a US meat processor media website last week.
Beef exports to CIS are significant with 24,000 tonnes for fiscal year ended June 2013 and 20,000 tonnes in the current fiscal year to February 2014.